Identification of Groundwater Potential for Urban Development Using Geospatial Techniques and Analytical Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Detailed knowledge regarding the availability of potential groundwater sources is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of cities and towns in a planned manner. The present study is carried out to identify the potential groundwater sources for the growth of towns and cities around Virudhunagar district, India by integrated geospatial techniques and analytical hierarchy method. The groundwater potential zones are divided into four groups: low, medium, high, and very high. It is observed that 18.41% and 34.1% fall under the low and medium zones, respectively. The high and very high groundwater potential zone encompasses an area of 11.95% and 35.23% of the total area respectively. Finally, the identified groundwater potential zones are validated with reported potential yield data of various wells which shows a good correlation. The findings of this study will assist urban planners and decision-makers in better planning and development of future cities and towns.